Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-75
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re:  International Settlements Policy Reform, IB Docket No. 11-80; Joint Petition for Rulemaking to 
Further Reform the International Settlements Policy, Public Notice, RM-11322, Report No. 2764; 
Modifying the Commission’s Process to Avert Harm to U.S. Competition and U.S. Customers 
Caused by Anticompetitive Conduct, IB Docket No. 05-254; Petition of AT&T Inc. for Settlements 
Stop Payment Order on the U.S.-Tonga Route, IB Docket No. 09-10, Second Order and Request 
for Further Comment; Petition of AT&T Inc. for Settlements Stop Payment Order on the U.S.-
Tonga Route, IB Docket No. 09-10
Reporting Requirements for U.S. Providers of International Telecommunications Services; 
Amendment of Part 43 of the Commission’s Rules, IB Docket No. 04-112, First Report and Order 
and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 11-76
In my view, it is always a bright day when the Commission removes from its books unnecessary 
and outdated rules.  This agency should constantly scrutinize its regulations to ensure that legacy 
mandates do not inhibit investment and innovation or impose undue costs that are ultimately paid for by 
consumers.  
Today, the FCC takes a small but positive step toward eliminating unnecessary reporting 
requirements regarding international telephone service.  The Commission is also issuing a further notice 
seeking comment on streamlining remaining international data reporting to ensure our rules are relevant 
in light of a rapidly evolving market.  Furthermore, we are also voting on a companion notice of proposed 
rulemaking on potentially eliminating the international settlements policy altogether.  This notice 
recognizes the fundamental progress made in the marketplace while also asking important questions on 
areas where the Commission may need to maintain a more active presence.  All of these measures have 
my full support.
I thank Chairman Genachowski for scheduling these long-pending proceedings for a vote.  Ideally 
we would have eliminated a greater number of mandates.  I am thus hopeful that we will complete our 
work to review the outstanding reporting requirements in an expeditious manner.  Thank you to the 
International Bureau staff for your excellent work.